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Photo of the Cal Poly solar-powered house on the National Mall for Solar Decathlon 2005. Enlarge image

The exterior of Cal Poly's house features a large deck and overhang that shades the south-facing windows and doors.
(Credit: Chris Gunn/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)

Who: California Polytechnic State University
What: Solar Cal Poly
Where:
California Polytechnic State University
1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
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Public tours: Contact the Cal Poly Renewable Energy Club at 224-805-7999 for tour information.

Solar Decathlon 2005

California Polytechnic State University: Benchmarking Solar Performance

The solar-powered house designed by California Polytechnic State University returned to San Luis Obispo after placing third overall in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2005. It was reconstructed on campus behind the Kennedy Library for use as an education and outreach facility.

The School of Architecture employs the Solar Cal Poly house as a functioning case study on environmental architecture. In addition, the university's Renewable Energy Club meets there on a weekly basis to discuss the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy on campus.